After bringing your furry friend to the veterinarian to get neutered or spayed, you may have a lot of questions about aftercare. To avoid disturbing the surgical site, it's wise to be careful during the aftercare process. Below are some helpful tips to ensure your pup stays healthy during recovery.

How to Ensure Your Pet Is Comfortable After Surgery

1. Restrict Physical Activity

If your pet engages in play, they're at risk of tearing their stitches. Avoid playing with them for at least one week after the surgery. Put away their toys so they're not tempted to play and keep your pet in the house to prevent them from running around in the backyard. Additionally, make sure they get plenty of rest and are not overstimulated. 

2. Apply a Cone 

The vet will apply dissolvable stitches to the surgical site. When the stitches become wet, they will dissolve too quickly. This is why veterinarians advise against allowing dogs to lick the surgical site. The doctor will provide a cone to prevent your pet from licking the stitches. Keep it on for seven days to allow time to heal. Be sure to check the area daily to ensure it's healing properly. 

3. Make Food & Water Accessible

If you keep the food and water bowls on an elevated stand, remove them and place them on the floor near your pet's resting place. Stretching to reach the bowls could cause the stitches to tear, so it's best to keep both bowls in an accessible spot. When it's breakfast, lunch, and dinnertime, remove the cone so your pet has a more comfortable eating experience. Make sure to put it back on when they're done.

For a reliable spaying or neutering experience, trust the veterinarians at Florence Veterinary Hospital. Serving residents in Florence, KY, for over 30 years, this team ensures that pets are comfortable after surgery. They supply crucial information for post-op care to pet owners for a smooth recovery period. If your pup needs spay or neuter surgery, call (859)-371-6501 to schedule an appointment. Visit them online to browse their services.